Stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamines, are a type of drug that can impact the communication between the brain and the body. They can produce feelings of alertness, wakefulness, increased energy, or enhanced confidence. However, it is important to note that high doses of stimulants can lead to over-stimulation and potentially have adverse effects on healthy growth.
When it comes to the effect of stimulants on height, there is limited scientific evidence to suggest a direct relationship. Height is primarily determined by genetic factors and the overall growth and development of the body during childhood and adolescence. While stimulants might temporarily affect energy levels and behavior, there is no substantial evidence to indicate that they directly influence height growth.
Do stimulants affect height growth?
Yes, stimulants can potentially affect height growth. There are three main mechanisms through which stimulants may impact height when used over a long period of time.
- Reduced appetite and caloric intake: Stimulants can suppress appetite, leading to a decrease in food consumption. In children, inadequate nutrition and insufficient caloric intake can negatively impact growth.
- Dopaminergic effect: Stimulants have a dopaminergic effect, which can inhibit the production of growth hormone. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter affected by stimulants, may directly influence height growth by interfering with the normal release and regulation of growth hormones.
- Impact on cartilage and bone growth: Some studies suggest that stimulants may interfere with the development of cartilage tissues, which can subsequently affect bone growth. The exact mechanisms involved in this process require further research.
It is important to note that the specific impact of stimulants on height growth may vary depending on factors such as the type of stimulant, dosage, duration of use, and individual variability. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for children, to assess the potential risks and benefits before using any stimulant medication.
Please be aware that this information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding stimulant use and its potential effects on height growth.
Which stimulants do affect height?
Coffee
A few older studies suggested that consuming caffeine might reduce bone mineral density, boost the change of hip fractures, and reduce calcium absorption and holding. Although the relationship between bone loss and caffeine is inconclusive until now, health experts still suggest that kids under the age of 12 should not be consuming coffee and that 12 to 18 years old should limit their intake of caffeine to 100 mg per day.
One of the unwanted side effects is the consumption of coffee affects sleep quality. If you take it later in the day, it might cause issues with falling asleep, resulting in insomnia or delaying the desired bedtime. This also affects growth hormone production, which is important for height growth. What is more, it might increase stress hormone levels, mood and irritability issues, and withdrawal symptoms, which might negatively affect overall health.
Smoking
In fact, there is not much research available on the connection of smoking to growth. But one study pointed out a relation between nicotine exposure and delayed skeletal growth. Nicotine restricts the cells in bones and stimulates the process, called endochondral ossification, which might hinder bone growth.
Another study on the relation of smoking to growth is rooted in the well-known effect of smoking on oxygen levels. All kinds of smoking secrete variable amounts of carbon monoxide. And taking carbon monoxide takes away cells of oxygen, which is critical for cell growth and delivering nutrients to organs.
In sum, smoking is not recommended, especially for children and young adults since their bodies and brains are in the process of developing.
Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic drinks include a large group of drinks, such as beer, wine, rice wine, and distilled spirits, that come with varying amounts of alcohol (ethanol).
Although alcohol affects different people in different ways, it might change growth hormone levels in both male and female adolescents, especially during puberty. Yes, studies of chronic alcohol intake pointed to a reduction in limb growth and development when added to an alcohol diet during adolescence. In adults, it might interrupt the ongoing balance between the deterioration and the reconstructing of bone tissue [2].
Carbonated drinks
These drinks contain air bubbles, which might speed up urinary calcium excretion. So, drinking too much of these drinks for a long time might lead to calcium deficiency in the body, not only negatively affecting height growth in kids but also boosting the risk of joint and bone diseases in adults.
Furthermore, the amount of carbon dioxide gas and sugar in carbonated drinks also makes kids always feel full, resulting in nutritional deficiencies and anorexia. And this badly affects the functions of organs in their bodies as well as their overall health and height growth.
What are the best foods for height growth?
Milk and dairy products
Milk is a great source of protein, which helps build blocks. Also, it is rich in vitamin D and calcium. A sufficient calcium intake is vital for skeletal development and bone growth. Meanwhile, vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption and function in the body. Aside from consuming milk, you should try cottage cheese, yogurt, or curd because they are high in crucial minerals and vitamins.
Chicken
Chicken is helpful in building tissues, muscles, and body mass, allowing you to get taller. It delivers loads of protein, vitamin B-complex, and other necessary nutrients to the body. What is more, it boosts bone formation and growth because it contains an amino acid, called taurine.
Eggs
Eggs include many essential amino acids with an addition of 6-7 grams of protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals needed for cell and skeletal growth. An egg a day can help kids grow taller if introduced early into their diet. The best part is that eggs can be prepared in many ways from boiled eggs to yummy omelets.
Fish
Fish is especially beneficial for height growth because it is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for boosting bone turnover to maximum growth. 100 grams of salmon includes 2.3 grams of omega-3 as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other vitamins. Also, tuna, sardines, or carps are other good choices for healthy height growth.
Leafy green veggies
Green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, okra, brussels sprouts, or bok choy are rich in necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All these are vital for balancing bone resorption and deposition, boosting bone growth with its calcium, and supporting overall growth and development.
Fruits
Like veggies, fruits are loaded with a wide range of essential nutrients that are imperative for healthy growth and body development. Consuming dried fruits like raisins, prunes, apricots, and figs is an ideal way to get calcium, especially for vegans. Also, you should eat more fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pineapples, or papayas. Vitamin C is vital for collagen formation, the basis on which bone mineralization is built.
What is more, berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are vital to prevent the occurrence of osteopenia thanks to their content in vitamins and phytochemicals.
Beans
Beans and other legumes are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, and magnesium, and low in fat. 100 grams of beans contain at least 20 grams of protein. Also, beans are full of antioxidants, which are necessary to prevent the effects of cell-damaging free radicals.
Whole grains
Grains and some starches are a storehouse of energy, being very rich in vitamins, iron, fiber, selenium, and magnesium. Adding them to your daily diet helps improve your metabolism and stimulates a kid’s growth.
To sum up
We have listed down the stimulants that you should stop your children from engaging in, or they might affect their height growth. Instead, encourage them to consume more nutritious foods mentioned above to support their body development and overall health. Or consult more growth tips to know how to improve their growth effectively.
- Related post: Do Inversion Tables Make You Taller?
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